Elias Demakopoulos

Elias “Louie” Demakopoulos was born to Eternal Life on January 31, 2024 at the age of 88. Beloved husband of Penelope of 56 years. Adoring father to Christina (Matthew) and Maria (Emily). Loving Pappou to Penelope and Bonus Pappou to Holly and Nora. He is also survived by his sister Sousana, brother Paul, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends in the US and in Greece.

Louie was born in Doxa, Greece in 1935 and was raised amid the occupation of Greece during World War II, including surviving the burning of his village in 1943. In 1954, Louie and his brother Paul laid their first steps on American land at Ellis Island, then continued to Chicago to join their uncle in search of better opportunities than were available in Greece at that time. The two brothers worked odd jobs in Chicago, Northern Illinois, and Southern Wisconsin before settling in the Milwaukee area in 1965. They rented a truck stop on a then-deserted Bluemound Road at Goerke’s corners, which they went on to purchase in 1974. The brothers owned and operated Zorba’s Restaurant on this property from 1966 – 1999. They continued to expand by adding a motel, bar, banquet halls, and Summerfest locations.  Zorba’s was a staple in the area as well as the hub of Greek-American community events for decades.

In 2001, Louie and his wife Penelope, bored of being retired, opened their “retirement” restaurant, Penelope’s, in Elm Grove, which they operated together for 17 years, until 2018. Penelope’s quickly became a cherished neighborhood establishment.  Louie and Penny lovingly hosted their customers as if they were welcoming them into their home.

Louie was extremely hard-working, loving, tender-hearted, and generous. He was a skilled and humorous storyteller and enjoyed the companionship of family and friends. Amongst many other wonderful things, he will be remembered for his sense of humor and genuine smile.

He was devoted to his family and consistently expressed his love, pride, and affection to his wife and daughters. And for the last three years, treasured being a Pappou.

“Thank you for giving us a beautiful life. We will carry you in our hearts, and we will miss you always.”

Visitation at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 9400 West Congress Street, Wauwatosa, on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 12:00 PM until the time of Funeral Service at 1:30 PM. Procession to Wisconsin Memorial Park.

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